Review of Chameleons

[Salome Ogani]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Chameleons" by Martin Wyatt.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Chameleons by Martin Wyatt is a book that transported me to a dark chapter of human history—the Nazi occupation of Poland. It is the story of Brygida and Mysz Hallenstein, twin sisters born into a Jewish family in the city of Krakow. Through their eyes, we bear witness to the depths of human depravity and also to the tenacious spirit of those who refuse to surrender to the forces of darkness. As the German annihilation casts its shadow over the Jewish populace, their grandfather, Grandpappy Harran, undertakes the task of preparing Brygida for the horrors that lie ahead. Grandpappy Harran is a brilliant Polish entomologist whose foresight compels him to warn Jewish people of their impending doom.

Interspersed within the twins' narrative are glimpses of Charlie's story, where he begins to realize that the Controllers have bestowed upon him powers. As the twin sisters navigate the tragic events that unfold, Brygida's faith in the power of the Star of David is tested time and again. Yet, through it all, she remains steadfast in honoring the promises made to her Grandpappy, clinging to his teachings as a lifeline amidst the maelstrom of suffering.

I love that the novel explores the simple yet deep theme of faith's power to redeem humankind from the abyss of its own evil choices. One of the novel's most remarkable achievements lies in its commitment to historical accuracy and meticulous research, particularly in its depiction of the Nazi concentration camps. Wyatt pulls no punches in laying bare the horrors of the World War, confronting me with the brutal realities of these sad moments in human history.

Another thing I loved about this book was the use of imaginary elements. These moments of fantasy hit the perfect note, adding depth and layer to the story without ever devolving into an unseemly parody of the tragic events of the Holocaust. Wyatt strikes a delicate balance with remarkable skill. I recommend this book to those who love reading books about wars or historical fiction.

Finally, this book deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I removed a star from the rating because I sometimes found it difficult to read through all the metaphors that the author used in the book. One or two of these metaphors would have been okay, but there were lots of them, such as when Brygida's life was compared to a symphony, and they were often confusing to me. I also encountered some errors while reading the book.

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Chameleons
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